The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-06-30
Tho IntaryiaM.

he was born and raised at Eutaw,
Ala, the ton OF Samuel w. Oockrell
and grandson on his mothers side, of
Judge Adaway X. Davis, Probate
Judge Of Green county, Ala. When
twenty.one years old ne was elected
TO the lower house Of the Legislature,
representing Green county during the
years 1874. rs, re and ~. In 1873
he declined to run again. He repre-
scented the conservative ring Of the
Republican party, the Democrats vot-
ing for him, ss his opponent was OF
the Hays or extreme element. That
he stood very high at that time in
the community ID which he lived is
fact testified to by several Of the
citizens Of this place who lived near
Eutaw, and knew Mr.. Cockrell by
reputation and sight. About this
time there was robbery committed
in Eutaw and $4,000 in money was
stolen. Every effort was made to re-
cover the money aud large reward
was offered for II; also one for the
thief, but no clew could be found.
Finally he was requested to try and
work no clew, and consented and
went TO work, A few days afterward
he went to Montgomery on important
business and while there drew out
$4,000 Of his own money that was
deposited In the bank. He was eeen
with this money by detective, who
became suspicious OF him and followed
him on the train aud. back to Eutaw.
Seeing him get off at Eutaw, the
detective felt sure he had the right
man, 80 found out who he was aud
then went off and secured papers for
his arrest and the sheriff. This was Sat.
urday night Next morning they went
10 Cockrell's house aud arrested him.
The money wRs in his house and he
was pat in Jail, tried, convicted and
sentenced to the peniteniiAry ;or eight
Yeas. Being sent with other convicts
toihe Pratt mines, uear Birmingham, he
worked in the coal mines until March
2Sth, when he made his escape. Why
he left, he Gays, he hasn't the slightest
idea. His time YVES almost out; he
was being we'll treated; had an eaey
position keeping the coal books, and
had all he wanted to eat, He had had
many chances OF escape, but never
cared to go; but the impulse came on
him this time when he saw the guard
was not looking, and he left. II was
cold and rainy,and he nearly persisted
with hunger, cold and fatigue He
got to Dscatur, and then tried to 90 to
Vioksburg and take the river for St.
Louis, where he hastwo brothers, both
in good circumstances. He met at
Tuscumbia man who gave his name
as Charles Williams, and the two trav-
eled together by night, "layiRg mp"
during the day, until Artesia, Miss,
was reached. Here Oockrell was taken
SICK and unable to 90 farther, and
Williams, according to Cockrell's state.
Ilent, left him there and came over to
Columbus, in order, he said, to tes II
= he could get his old job back on the
Georgia Pacific railroad. Williams 70,
turned at the end OF weeks time,
bringing with him some nice food,
some butter, and bundle OF clothing.
He gave the food and a shirt to Cock.
rel, and loaned him the overcoat, and
they proceeded down until Macon vas
reached. While there il bsga rain.
ing, and they sought shelter in the
church, which happened TO be open,
and passed the night there. Next
morning they went up into the
heliry, and while there the sexton